The Home Depot named William Bastek as the company’s new executive vice president of merchandising, effective immediately. Bastek, in his 33-year career with The Home Depot, has served in several leadership positions across the merchandising organization.
Most recently, Bastek was the senior vice president of hardlines, where he was responsible for merchandising and marketing strategies for the hardware and garden departments. Previously, he was merchandising vice president of hardware and tools, where he oversaw the growth and transformation of the power tools and automotive departments in stores and online.
“Billy is an experienced merchant, leader, and mentor who is known for his innovative approach to merchandising, transforming The Home Depot’s product assortment, and bringing incredible value to our customers,” Ted Decker, chair, president, and CEO of The Home Depot, said in a prepared statement. “We’re fortunate to have a talented bench of senior leaders like Billy, as well as future leaders across the company, and I look forward to working with him in his new and expanded role.”
Home Depot said the merchandising team, under Bastek’s leadership, has led the modernization of the power tools and outdoor power categories, “driving an industry-wide shift’ from corded or gas-powered tools to battery-powered equipment.
Bastek began his career at HD Supply in 1989, serving in various roles of increasing responsibility, including global product merchant, senior merchant, divisional merchandise manager, and merchandising vice president for building materials.
Bastek will replace Jeff Kinnaird in his new role. The company said Kinnaird has decided to leave The Home Depot.
“Jeff has made significant contributions to The Home Depot since starting in the lumber aisle nearly 27 years ago and progressing through every role in our stores,” Decker said. “His leadership of our Canadian division and more recently of our merchandising, marketing, and online businesses is greatly appreciated. Jeff has been a champion of our culture and values, and I would like to thank him for his hard work and numerous contributions across his career.”
